Australian Secret Intelligence Service

Australian Secret Intelligence Service
Intelligence agency overview
Formed13 May 1952; 72 years ago (13 May 1952)
TypeIntelligence agency
JurisdictionAustralian Government
HeadquartersRG Casey Building, Barton, Australian Capital Territory
Annual budgetA$641.3 million (US$482.18 million) (2023–24)
Minister responsible
Assistant Minister responsible
Intelligence agency executives
Parent departmentDepartment of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Key documents
Websitewww.asis.gov.au
R.G. Casey House, the head office of the parent department and of ASIS

The Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS /ˈsɪs/) is the foreign intelligence agency of the Commonwealth of Australia, responsible for gathering, processing, and analysing national security information from around the world, primarily through the use of human intelligence. The service was formed in 1952, however its existence remained secret within much of the government and to the public until 1972. ASIS is a primary entity of the Australian Intelligence Community.

ASIS is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) portfolio and has its headquarters in Canberra. Its director-general, currently Kerri Hartland, reports to the minister for foreign affairs.[1] The service is comparable to the CIA (US) and MI6 (UK).

  1. ^ "Spy agency reshuffle: Nick Warner the supremo, new heads for ASIS and ASD | The Mandarin". The Mandarin. 1 December 2017.